Rio Ferdinand has proposed a potential rule change for the Premier League to make the most of Mikel Arteta's animated antics on the sidelines. The Arsenal boss has built an infamous reputation for himself in the dugout this season, whether he's mocking the on-field referee or exchanging words with the fourth official.
During the Gunners' clash with Aston Villa last month, Arteta appeared to have lost his patience. Simon Hooper, the on-field referee, gestured that a free-kick must be retaken as the ball was moving and, as the camera switched to the Spaniard, he was pictured imitating the official's hand signals.
Then, in January, Arteta was shown a yellow card for pleading to the fourth official that Luke Shaw is booked following a strong challenge on Bukayo Saka. The Arsenal boss' touchline antics have divided opinion among fans and pundits, with Roy Keane among those eager to defend him for his passionate outbursts.
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With that in mind, BT Sport asked Ferdinand what rule he would like to see changed in the Premier League. The former United defender replied: "I want rid of [technical] areas on the substitute dugouts, I want rid of them areas.
"I think it should be free rein. I want Arteta in front of Pep's substitute bench giving it to his team - ah mate, brilliant. I want entertainment, we want entertainment."
Then, if the rule was passed, Ferdinand joked: "I think some managers would be employing some coaches who are hench. Big guys will be back. Duncan Ferguson is on everyone's list."
While Keane may not endorse the same level of combat that Ferdinand has in mind, the former United midfielder is certainly a fan of the passion Arteta brings to the touchline. Speaking to Sky Sports, he said: "Well I certainly wouldn’t worry about yellow cards, it’s the reds that you’ve got to worry about!
"But from the Arsenal point of view I think they’d be okay with it, because he’s obviously passionate and you’re not in this job to be liked! He’s there to win football matches for Arsenal and that’s what he’s doing.
"Listen, he’s got the yellow card, he has to take his medicine, but I generally have no problem with it. We see other managers doing stuff that we might not always agree with but they’re emotional, they’re passionate and I think that’s just because he wants to win. I wouldn’t be too harsh on him."
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